Unisex name · peaked 1976

Nealy

Every Nealy since 1884 — 379 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.

Measure
Births per 1,000 babies of that sex — comparable across eras
0.020.040.060.0818801900192019401960198020002020GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Rank 2025
among girls
Babies in 2025
<5
named Nealy
Peak year
1976
18 babies
All-time total
379
since 1884

The story of Nealy

Nealy is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.

Since 1884, 379 American babies have been named Nealy — about 78% girls and 22% boys, making it a genuinely unisex name. Its peak came in 1976, when 18 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1970s.

The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nealy stood among all girls' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.

Nealy year by year

Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.

Year Girls Girls rank Boys Boys rank
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019 5 #17,294
2018 7 #13,417
2017
2016
2015 9 #11,588
2014
2013
2012 5 #18,778
2011
2010 6 #16,392
2009 8 #13,344
2008
2007 6 #17,002
2006
2005 5 #18,388
2004 9 #11,360
2003 5 #17,625
2002 7 #13,227
2001
2000
1995
1990
1985
1980 5 #11,581
1975 13 #4,770
1970
1965
1960
1955
1950
1945 5 #3,637
1940
1935
1930
1925 6 #4,807 6 #4,054
1920
1915 6 #4,110
1910
1905 5 #2,146
1900 6 #1,870
1895
1890
1885
1880

Frequently asked questions

How popular is the name Nealy in 2025?

Nealy did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.

How many people are named Nealy?

379 babies have been named Nealy in the United States since 1884, based on Social Security card applications.

When was the name Nealy most popular?

Nealy peaked in 1976, when 18 newborns received the name.

Is Nealy a boy or girl name?

Nealy is used for both: about 78% of babies named Nealy have been girls and 22% boys.

Is the name Nealy rising or falling?

Nealy is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.

Names like Nealy

Compare Nealy with similar names →